India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
